A POLICE officer from Bury who was shot during an armed siege and six colleagues who risked their lives to rescue him have been recognised for their bravery.

PC David Lomas was hit in the shoulder at point-blank range while trying to arrest Stephen Hensby at his home in Rawtenstall in July last year.

Although seriously injured, PC Lomas staggered to the side of the house, bleeding heavily and struggling to breathe due to a collapsed right lung. His colleagues, Sergeant Paul Leigh and PC Lukmann Mulla dodged petrol bombs and further gunshots to reach PC Lomas and provide first- aid.

PC Phillip Bayliss, Sgt Wendy Jacobs, PC Peter Corser and PC Kevin Jones, all from Lancashire police armed response unit, arrived a short time later and helped evacuate the injured officer to safety before he was transported by air ambulance to hospital.

Hensby later turned the sawn-off shotgun on his pet dog and then himself as armed police surrounded the property. Now, PC Lomas and his colleagues have been presented with the prestigious William Garnett Cup, Lancashire Constabulary's highest award for bravery.

Lancashire's acting Chief Constable Steve Finnigan said: "The William Garnett Cup has always been regarded as a very special award that only goes to officers who have acted in the highest traditions of the Constabulary.

"It is quite clear that this year it has gone to a special group of officers who working together showed immense bravery and in doing so undoubtedly saved the life of an extremely brave colleague."

Chairman of Lancashire Police Authority, Mr Malcolm Doherty, added: "Clearly quick-thinking and decisive action prevented PC Lomas from being more seriously injured.

"These officers' courageous and selfless actions helped to save the officer's life and they should all be very proud of that.

"They showed true loyalty to a colleague whose life was in mortal danger, they showed tremendous commitment to duty and they richly deserve this award."

l At an inquest into Hensby's death, reported in last week's Bury Times, coroner Mr Richard Taylor said there was no doubt that Hensby "deliberately" shot PC Lomas and killed himself when "he believed that PC Lomas was seriously injured or even dead and he was not able to face the consequences."